History of the Heard Museum

Since its founding by Dwight and Maie Bartlett Heard in 1929 as a small museum in a small Southwestern town, the Heard has grown in size and stature to where now it is recognized internationally for the quality of its collections, its educational programming and its festivals; Phoenix has grown along with it. The Heard Museum is a living museum â€“ giving voice to a uniquely American people.

Maie Bartlett Heard and Dwight Bancroft Heard, c. 1928. RC46:3

1929â€“1950

The Heard Museum opened quietly on December 26, 1929, several months after Dwight Heard passed away from a heart attack. During its early years, as today, the museum was a central gathering place for locals as well as school children. Lectures, workshops and talks about the exotic lands the Heards had visited brought people from all around to the Heard Museum.

As a collector and connoisseur of art, Maie Heard had much to offer her small museum. Throughout her tenure at the Heard, she added quality artworks to the collection and worked closely with the board of trustees to direct the activities of the museum. She also oversaw the programming activities of the museum, approving speakers and insuring appropriate publicity was available.

View of the entrance of the Heard Museum in the early 1950s. RC76(E97):66

1951â€“1970

In 1956, the Heard Museum Auxiliary was established to assist with educational programs. Today, the Heard Museum Guild numbers nearly 500.

In 1958, theÂ Auxiliary launched two aggressive fundraising projects, a museum Shop and a Fair. Both activities continue with great success today, thanks to the continuing support of Guild members who work in the Shop and plan the Indian Fair & Market, which today draws nearly 20,000 people.

In 1967, a major expansion created the museumâ€™s first collections storage area, a new auditorium and two floors of galleries, including one gallery designed to present the Goldwater Katsina Doll Collection that Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona had given to the museum in 1964.

2000â€“2011

The long-awaited, $7.6 million, 21,000 square foot renovation of its permanent collection galleries culminated in the opening ofÂ HOME: Native People in the Southwest.

2011â€“Today

In 2011, the Heard re-purposed unused space to create an expanded bookstore, Books & More and the Coffee Cantina, a grab-and-go coffee and snack bar. The main Shop was remodeled, including new flooring and lighting. And, the Nichols Garden was also re-purposed and is now the Nichols Sculpture Garden, giving the museum a unique new venue for larger outdoor sculpture exhibits. The Heard Museum continues to look to the future as one of the nationâ€™s premier showcases for American Indian art and history.

The Heard Museum Today

Since its founding in 1929, the Heard Museum has grown in size and stature to become recognized internationally for the quality of its collections, world-class exhibitions, educational programming and its unmatched festivals. Dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art, the Heard successfully presents the stories of American Indian people from a first-person perspective, as well as exhibitions that showcase the beauty and vitality of traditional and contemporary art.

The Heard Museum sets the standard for collaborating with American Indian artists and tribal communities to provide visitors with a distinctive perspective about the art of Native people, especially those from the Southwest.

Exhibitions

The museum’s activities revolve around collecting, preserving and presenting art ranging from ancestral artifacts to contemporary paintings and jewelry. Exhibitions lay the foundation for learning about the cultures and experiences of the people â€“ past and present â€“ who create art. The Heard draws on its extensive collection as well as loaned artwork to present a mixture of long-term and changing exhibitions.

The Heard Museum actively collects American Indian fine art, and a variety of paintings, drawings, prints, photography and sculpture can be found throughout the museum’s galleries and grounds. Fine art exhibitions reflect the scope of the museum collection, which contains historic drawings more than a century old as well as contemporary canvases.

Outdoor Galleries & Performance Spaces

Several of the loveliest areas of the museum are located outdoors. In the museum’s courtyards, landscape combines with water features and sculpture to create a variety of relaxing environments. The Scott L. Libby, Jr. Amphitheater provides a theater-in-the-round area for large music and dance performances, while the Steele Auditorium provides flexible seating for a variety of programs including performances, lectures, theatrical presentations, films, meetings and private dinners.

Interactive Learning

Visitors of all ages can try hands-on activities that range from weaving with beads on an oversize loom and creating wearable art to forming their own butterflies, Apache burden baskets and Yaqui paper flowers. Dozens of videos throughout the museum provide more in-depth understanding about specific cultures, art forms and artists.

School groups regularly visit the museum’s galleries and also can take part in hands-on craft activities in the Dorrance Education Center.

Events & Festivals

One of the most important ways the Heard Museum supports American Indian artists and encourages their artistic endeavors is through events and festivals. Combined, the museum’s events draw more than 40,000 visitors annually.

Volunteers & Supporters

While the Heard is recognized nationally and internationally for its outstanding art collections and interpretative insights, it is the talent, hours and funding given by museum volunteers that make the museum such a special place. From its Board of Trustees and Heard Museum Council to the nearly 500 members of the Heard Museum Guild, volunteers are involved in every aspect of the museum and provide invaluable experience and expertise.

Find Out More

Mission Statement

The mission of the Heard Museum is to be the worldâ€™s preeminent museum for the presentation, interpretation and advancement of American Indian art, emphasizing its intersection with broader artistic and cultural themes.

Visitor Guide

Appraisals

The Heard Museum does not perform appraisals; however, the Heard Museum Council, one of our volunteer organizations, holds a semi-annual Appraisal Day event where people can bring their items to be appraised for a fee. Appraisal days occur in the spring and fall. Please check our calendar of events page for upcoming dates.

Our Mission

The mission of the Heard Museum is to be the worldâ€™s preeminent museum for the presentation, interpretation and advancement of
American Indian art, emphasizing its intersection with broader artistic and cultural themes.